Toyota is recalling more than 30,000 UK Prius hybrids after concerns that a software fault could cause the car to slow down suddenly, with 400 reports of this issue worldwide.

Toyota has just launched a global recall for nearly two million Prius hybrids globally, following claims that the hybrid software could cause the car to slow down or stop. The latest large-scale recall from Toyota affects 30,790 UK registered Prius models built between March 2009 and February 2014.

Toyota has received 11 field reports of the problem occurring in European cars, although there have been no reports of any accidents or injuries. Affected cars may switch into ‘failsafe’ mode, which reduces power, with dashboard warning lights turning on. In some cases the hybrid system has shut down, causing the car to stop. Toyota has confirmed that this issue does not affect other hybrid models.

Affected owners should be contacted by Toyota within the coming weeks by post or telephone and asked to take their car to their nearest Toyota dealer. The software update will be carried out for free and should take around 40 minutes.

Owners requiring more information can call the Toyota Recall Helpline on 0800 1388744.